Discount retailer ALDI stuns Aussie competitors at international wine awards

Discount retailer Aldi has stunned the Aussie wine industry, after a $4.99 bottle of its plonk was judged among the best in the country.

The budget chain's wines were among a list of 2000 under scrutiny at the 2015 Sydney International Wine Competition.

Of the wines, 280 were awarded top-100 honours, Blue Gold – or second place – or Gold – third place – status, News Corp reports.

The panel of 14 international and Australian wine experts gave Aldi's $4.99 Spanish Tempranillo a Blue Gold award, while its $6.99 Cabernet Sauvignon and $9.99 Semillon were given top 100 status.

Competition director Warren Mason said Aldi's success was down to the "fantastic palate" of buying director Jason Bowyer.

“He’s been the one who’s been blending a lot of the wine, and he’s really bearing in mind Aldi’s consumer base,” Mr Mason said.

“He’s thinking in terms of his market, given he’s able to offer wines at $10 a bottle or less.”

Mr Bowyer said the company were thrilled with the recognition.

“As the awards have demonstrated, affordably priced wine can perform well above the expectation a customer may have, sometimes proving more popular than a much more expensive option,” he said.

Aldi also picked up prizes for its A.C Byrne Semillon and Shiraz – both under $10 – the Tudor Shiraz ($12.99) and Veuve Monsigny Champagne Premier Cru for $29.99.

Despite the company's success, Marlborough’s St Clair winery was deemed to have produced the most decorated wine of the competition.

Its 2006 Estate Grown Semillon was awarded the trophy for best wine.